You Can’t Rewrite the Beginning, But You Can Crush the Ending
- Marlene Le Roux
- Mar 14
- 5 min read
Imagine breaking your arm and thinking, Eh, I’ll walk it off. You wouldn’t. You’d rush to the hospital, get a cast, and do whatever it took to heal. But when it comes to mental health? So many of us try to push through as if ignoring the pain will magically fix it. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.
For years, I tried to pretend I was fine while my world fell apart around me. I lost my home—twice. I lost my family. My marriage ended, my life unraveled, and at my lowest, I even tried to end it all. Depression convinced me that nothing would ever get better, that I was too broken to fix.
And yet, here I am.
Not just breathing. Living.
Because here’s the thing—pain is real, but so is healing. And no matter how many times life has knocked me down, I’ve gotten back up.
From Who I Was to Who I Am Now
If you met me back when I was married—or even in the aftermath of my breakup—you’d be looking at a very different person. Back then, I thought my worth came from being needed. I bent over backward for others, ignored my own needs, and sacrificed my happiness just to keep the peace.
I stayed in situations that drained me, not because they were good for me, but because I was terrified of being alone. The idea of facing life on my own seemed impossible, like stepping into a void with no safety net. So, I clung to relationships, to people, to anything that made me feel like I mattered.
But here’s the truth I had to learn the hard way: needing to be needed is not the same as being loved.
One of the hardest losses I’ve faced was my family. It’s taken me years to reconnect with my daughter, and I’m still hoping to rebuild a relationship with my son. That kind of pain doesn’t just go away. But I hold on to hope because I know I’m not the same person I was before. I’ve grown. I’ve changed. And I believe that with time, love, and effort, relationships can heal too.
Do I still struggle? Absolutely. Depression and chronic fatigue still tap me on the shoulder like an annoying little sibling—poking, nagging, refusing to be ignored. Some days, they hit harder than others. Some days, they knock me flat.
But the difference now?
I don’t let them win. Not like I used to.
They don’t get to control my story anymore.
Depression and Suicide: The Serious Side of the Story
Now, let’s get real. Depression isn’t just feeling sad—it’s like carrying a 50kg backpack while wading through quicksand. It whispers “this is just how life is now”, and some days, it feels like there’s no way out.
That’s a lie. And if you’re feeling like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel, please know this: you are not broken, and this is not forever.
So, what do you do when your brain is being a complete jerk? Here are some tips:
1. Talk to Someone (Even If It Feels Awkward as Hell)
If your car was making weird noises, you’d take it to a mechanic. Your brain deserves the same care. Call a friend, text a helpline, or just blurt it all out to your pet (they won’t judge).
2. Check Your Survival Basics
Are you sleeping? Eating? Drinking enough water? I know it sounds like “duh” advice, but trust me—when I’m spiraling, I can forget that food exists. And hangry + depressed is a nightmare combo.
3. Move (Even If It’s Just From the Couch to the Fridge)
I’m not saying go run a marathon (I mean, if you want to, go for it), but even a short walk, stretching, or a dance party in your kitchen can shake up your energy.
4. Get Out in Nature
There’s something about being near the ocean, sitting by a river, or even just walking through a park that resets your brain. If you’re feeling stuck, go somewhere scenic—the beach, the forest, anywhere with open space. Breathe in fresh air. Feel the sun on your skin. Nature is the ultimate mood booster.
5. Get Professional Help (Because Therapy is Not Just for Celebrities)
If you’d see a doctor for a broken leg, why not for your brain? Therapy, medication, or support groups are not weaknesses—they’re lifelines. Use them.
Why I Became a Health Coach
For a long time, I treated my body like an afterthought. When my marriage ended, my health completely fell apart. I wasn’t just skipping meals—I was practically starving myself. Then, I swung the other way.
When I started working at a confectionery wholesaler, I swapped starvation mode for sugar overload. I went from barely eating to inhaling 140g of Darrell Lea chocolate a day, washing it down with coffee and still smoking like a chimney.
I knew I had to make a change for my health—so I cut back… to the 60g bar.
Progress, right? (I’d like to say that’s a joke, but honestly, at the time, it felt like a real attempt at balance.)
The reality was, I had no balance, no understanding of how to properly nourish myself, and no real connection to what my body needed.
Then, I was introduced to a six-week program by an amazing friend who coached me through true healing—mind, body, and soul. That experience was life-changing, and it lit a fire in me. I wanted to pay it forward and help others find their way back to themselves, too.
That’s how I became a health coach. Not because I was always the perfect example of health, but because I knew what it felt like to hit rock bottom. I had to learn how to rebuild my health, my habits, and my mindset.
And if I could do it? So can you.
Manifesting My Future (Because This Story Isn’t Over)
So, what’s next? Honestly, I have no clue. But what I do know is that I’m not letting my past define me. I’m building a future that’s mine—full of love, laughter, stability, and maybe even a little bit of luxury (because hey, I deserve it).
I don’t know what’s coming, but I know I’m ready for it.
And if you’re struggling? Please, don’t give up. It won’t always be like this. Your story isn’t over yet.
Need Support? You’re Not Alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. There’s help. And there’s hope.
Australia & New Zealand:
Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14 | www.lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue (AUS) – 1300 22 4636 | www.beyondblue.org.au
Lifeline NZ – 0800 543 354 | Text HELP (4357)
1737 - Need to Talk? (NZ) – Call or text 1737
United States:
Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 (24/7 support)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Dial 988
Global Support:
Find a therapist near you – www.psychologytoday.com
You matter. Your story isn’t over. Go for that walk, feel the sun, eat something nourishing, and keep going.
If this post resonated with you, hit like, share it, and tag someone who might need to hear this. You never know who could be struggling in silence. Let’s break the stigma, support each other, and keep moving forward together. Follow for more on mental health, healing, and creating a life you love. 💚
Thank you for sharing, Marlene! You are my hero!